Study of First Peter Lesson 7

Review:

1:6-7 TESTING IS NECESSARY FOR GROWTH IN THE CWOL

In this you greatly rejoice

- "In this" takes us back to vs: 5

- You can have confidence in time regardless of the circumstances because you are protected by the Omnipotence of God from the time you believed in Christ, until the day of deliverance, the rapture.

Therefore it's a confidence that we as believers can have in time that is not dependant on or extinguished by the external circumstances of life.

- It's also related to understanding that in Christ we have an inheritance one which is:

- incorruptible >> nothing can destroy

- undefiled >> no moral stain/impurity either to gain or to keep it

- unfading >> not affected by time - will not loose its luster

- even though now At this time, the time Peter is writing to people who are under great pressure, experiencing undeserved suffering, and he is exhorting them to remember their position in Christ and to keep using the DOA's from the doctrine known for the rewards are very great.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary,

- for a little while (a short time), if need be (causal particle eiv + dei/ pres ptc = indicates an obligation, something that is necessary - not something that is optional.

- since it is necessary

- "you have been distressed by various trials"

tests = peirosmoj indicates these tests are designed to evaluate for good or evil; strength of weakness. Demonstrate which as you respond or react!

Summary:

1. K/BD, here our position and provision in Christ, leads to the confidence we can have in our life, the living hope and a real appreciation of our inheritance, heritage as bel's is the basis for joy, inner happiness.

2. Point Peter makes is that this is the foundation out of which flows the capacity to face testing, pressure, which periodically will come since it is a necessary part of God's plan for your life.

3. God in His faithfulness provides the means of enduring, the patient endurance, the means of handling the tests/circ that are sure to come. 1 Cor 10:13

Comments on 1 Cor 10:13 especially the last phrase which is often miss applied.

4. Since the means is grace, implication then, is that facing and passing these tests has nothing to do with our background, genetics - lineage, academics - education/training, natural skills/abilities but is totally related to the content of your soul and your use of it in the circumstance you face.

5. At some point we must learn that human resources are totally inadequate to handle the tests of life. (seduction of OSN)

6. Every test is an opportunity to apply BD and produce divine good which will be rewarded at the JSC.

1:7 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TESTS AND YOUR ETERNAL REWARD

That the proof of your faith

by translating it proof of your faith they are emphasizing the positive result of the test, the genuineness of the content of the believer's soul, which the word proof (dokimion) brings out.

Being more precious than gold which is perishable

-> No matter how great a value man places on it, gold will be valueless in the market place of eternity.

NOW RELATES THE RESULTS OF THE REFINING PROCESS TO ETERNITY

may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

B.L. These tests then are the refining process God uses to bring us in time (ph-2) to maturation and into the sphere of blessing not only for now but for all eternity since we're producing divine good which will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ.